Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.

However, a only four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.

His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.

Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Hot Streak?

What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled conversations of an England return.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."